Last week we learned of the destruction of one of the most active groups of computer hackers (or cyberhackers) in the world, Lockbit. To learn more about this group and their crimes, Aces met Karine Pontbriand, a cybersecurity expert.
What are cyberhackers?
Their activities resemble those of pirates on the seas. They seized boats containing valuable goods to resell them or to demand money in exchange, what is called a ransom. Today, hackers instead take over computer systems and all the data they contain. They can sell the data or demand a ransom to restore access to the computer system.
What exactly was LockBit?
The organization is very difficult to get to know. We don’t know how many people she represents, and these people are all over the world.
What made LockBit powerful was the malware it created. It made it possible to infiltrate the majority of computer systems. Additionally, in exchange for money, LockBit rented its software to other criminals. It’s as if I have a key that opens all doors and, in exchange for money, I let anyone use it to steal.
How were these cyberhackers stopped?
There was a partnership between around ten countries. Law enforcement managed to infiltrate the network and take possession of it. They prevented hackers from gaining access to their own tools. It’s a bit like they hacked the pirates!
Two men were arrested in Poland and Ukraine, in eastern Europe. Other arrests could take place.
Tom Imler, intern journalist
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